The Bishop Emeritus of Masaka Diocese John Baptist Kaggwa has advised government to consider postponing the 2021 general elections if aspirants can not hold open air campaigns under the current COVID-19 situation. 

“How will I vote without seeing my candidate? My opinion is that if we cannot have the usual campaigns let government extend the elections for two years so that people can freely choose their new leaders without the current restrictions,” he said.

The Bishop made the remarks during a special mass to celebrate 25 years since he was ordained Bishop. The function happened on Wednesday at Kitovu Cathedral in Masaka district.

He asked MPs who attended the function like Matthias Mpuuga (Masaka Municipality), Babirye Kabanda (Masaka District Woman MP), Ssewungu Joseph Gonzaga (Kalungu West), Florence Namayanja (Bukoto East) and Veronica Nanyondo (Bukomansimbi District Woman MP ) to spearhead the debate in parliament to  have the 2021 general elections extended .

Bishop Kaggwa also asked government to allow traders operating in arcades to reopen their shops saying in Uganda’s setting, malls and arcades are the same.

Bishop Kaggwa’s statement comes a few days when the Electoral Commission chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, unveiled a new roadmap for the 2021 general elections and announced the proposal for virtual campaigns, banning mass rallies and restricted canvassing of votes to media platforms as a measure to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines of social distancing.